Help for Beginners
Archery is a sport that can be enjoyed by anybody whether young or old, able-bodied or handicapped and we are delighted to take on new members. We hold regular have a go sessions each year where members of the public can try archery. These are held at the Craft Fair at Calke Abbey and the Ashby Show. If you are new to archery we run beginners courses and we ask that all new starters go on one of these courses. We hold regular training sessions for improving archers on Tuesday evenings from 7.00pm in the summer months. In the winter months its is too dark to run training sessions during the week and for safety reasons it is not possible to run training sessions or beginners or courses indoors.
Courses
All new novice members (both junior and senior) are required go on a beginners course that teaches the basics of archery form and practice, safety in archery, archery equipment, the basics rules of shooting and scoring, and etiquette. This course is run several times a year starting in spring (when the weather is generally better) and if you are interested in joining one of our beginners courses then please be patient wait for spring and come along. To get you name on a beginners course you should send an email to the Secretary, (Jean Blood), or the Public Relations Officer (Paul Morrell) and we will ensure that you get enrolled.
It is important to note that Ivanhoe Archers operates a policy whereby we can accept new junior members only if they are accompanied by a an adult who is also a member.
Equipment
One question that beginners often ask is "What equipment do I need?" The answer is always the same. The club can provide all of the initial requirements for the beginner and it is important that you do not invest in any equipment until you have established your technique and strength. As you become more proficient then you can buy the right equipment to meet your needs, based on your height, strength, draw length and many other more subtleties. Second hand equipment is nearly always available through the club, at a fraction of the cost of buying new and can usually be tried before making any commitment.
To find out a bit more about archery then visit our FAQS page and our help section.